Fifty, say it with me, fifty. It’s just a word, just a number, but it marks a turning point in life. Imagine my surprise when I went to the mailbox the other day and saw an invitation to join AARP. That’s when you know that your life is forever changed. I’m in a whole new demographic, the 50-65 crowd. I never thought I’d miss the 35-49 group so much. The funny thing is I don’t feel like eating dinner at 4:30, but I feel it’s my responsibility to do so.
Colonoscopy yep can’t hardly wait to get me one of them. My doctor started reminding me about getting one when I turned 45 so I’ve had a long time to prepare myself. All in all I think I’ll pass thank you very much. I understand that this may be beneficial, but outside of the instant two pound weight loss I don’t see any real benefit to the process.
Ironic isn’t it that now that I can get free coffee at McDonalds my doctor says I have to cut back on coffee. Cutting back on coffee is just the start you know. As I enter the twilight of my life I should be cutting back on many things, sweets for one. You know this is the age that type II diabetes usually rears its ugly head. So weight loss or management becomes important. Then there’s the whole loss of bone density and muscle and skin tone thing. Oh yeah aging is not for the faint hearted, you have to be tougher now. Of course with the wrinkles, thin or in my case missing hair I look a lot tougher too.
My only consolation is that I know I’m not alone in this. My parents made it through their fifties, and some of my friends are up there or beyond with me as well. There’ve been many advances in medical science that I can take advantage of as well. So as body parts break down I’ll actually get better, faster and stronger. Blow out a knee? No problem, need a hip replaced? We got that covered. How’s your heart? Ticking right along thanks, how about just clean out the pipes then. This sure is a great time to get old and get parts.
All in all I guess this is just another day, another number to add to my collection. I have fifty of them, maybe I can add fifty more.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Irresponsible dog owners
If I see one more seven-year old dog up for adoption I’m going to smack somebody. I’ve owned dog for 40 years, all of them but one was a mutt, shelter adoption. I have two mutts now, both adopted from the Tallahassee shelter. Family aside for the moment, there is nothing that picks me up more than when I get home and my “boys” greet me. My old guy is seven and a half and the younger pain in the butt is two and a half. If you see me driving around town, chances are my bigger dog is riding shotgun and the big dog is roaming around in the back.
My dogs sleep with me, run with me and go to the park with me. Heck the only thing they don’t do is swim with me. They’re with me when I watch TV, take out the trash and visit neighbors. Both my guys are happy, kid and dog friendly companions. I raised them that way and they never disappoint me.
That’s why I can’t understand how anyone who has seemingly had a dog for two years or five years or seven or whatever years would give them up. I know, I know, there may be some special circumstances, getting evicted, but I these uncontrollable circumstances are rare. Every time I see an old dog at the shelter as an owner surrender just tears me up for the dog and somewhat for the owner too.
Ok, while I’m on my soap box, dammit just spay and neuter your pets! For no other reason than we must try to control the dog population so that the ones ion the shelter have homes to go to. I don’t want hear your BS excuse, um I’m going to breed him, like we need one more pit bull. Just do it, for your pet, for yourself, trust me there’s other pit bulls out there who need you too.
Also if you are thinking about a dog do your homework. If you’re 80 don’t get a border collie mix, if you have small children, get a right sized dog. Because your one hundred and twenty pound rotty won’t mean to run over your two year old child, but it will happen. Finally, if you do take the plunge and get a companion for life (his not yours), get some basic training for the both of you. Nothing is more annoying than an impolite dog. I have one of each, both are super sweet, but the younger dog has flunked out of every training class he’s ever been in.
Dogs only have one flaw, its that they don’t live as long enough.
My dogs sleep with me, run with me and go to the park with me. Heck the only thing they don’t do is swim with me. They’re with me when I watch TV, take out the trash and visit neighbors. Both my guys are happy, kid and dog friendly companions. I raised them that way and they never disappoint me.
That’s why I can’t understand how anyone who has seemingly had a dog for two years or five years or seven or whatever years would give them up. I know, I know, there may be some special circumstances, getting evicted, but I these uncontrollable circumstances are rare. Every time I see an old dog at the shelter as an owner surrender just tears me up for the dog and somewhat for the owner too.
Ok, while I’m on my soap box, dammit just spay and neuter your pets! For no other reason than we must try to control the dog population so that the ones ion the shelter have homes to go to. I don’t want hear your BS excuse, um I’m going to breed him, like we need one more pit bull. Just do it, for your pet, for yourself, trust me there’s other pit bulls out there who need you too.
Also if you are thinking about a dog do your homework. If you’re 80 don’t get a border collie mix, if you have small children, get a right sized dog. Because your one hundred and twenty pound rotty won’t mean to run over your two year old child, but it will happen. Finally, if you do take the plunge and get a companion for life (his not yours), get some basic training for the both of you. Nothing is more annoying than an impolite dog. I have one of each, both are super sweet, but the younger dog has flunked out of every training class he’s ever been in.
Dogs only have one flaw, its that they don’t live as long enough.
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